These industry-led masterclasses are designed to offer accessible information, answer questions, and provide skill-sharing opportunities for working creatives.
Get ready for a fast-paced, action-packed afternoon with actor, writer, and improviser Jane Watt. This masterclass is all about using improvisation to create bold, original scenes—no scripts, just instincts. You’ll be up and moving, diving into exercises that turn simple ideas into dynamic, engaging performances. Through play, feedback, and fearless experimentation, you’ll discover how to rework material on the spot and uncover unexpected moments of brilliance.
This session is designed for actors, writers, and creatives looking to break out of their comfort zones and develop new work in real time. You’ll collaborate with others, take creative risks, and push your boundaries as you transform basic premises into compelling scenes.
What You’ll Gain:
- Practical Improv Skills – Learn how to quickly generate and develop ideas without a script, creating work on the fly.
- Dynamic Scene Creation – Discover how to turn simple premises into compelling performances in a collaborative setting.
- Collaborative Energy – Work alongside other creatives to push each other and take risks in developing bold, original scenes.
- Spontaneous Creation – Embrace the power of improvisation to discover unexpected creative gems.
- Practical Feedback – Use real-time feedback to refine and rework material, ensuring your ideas evolve in exciting ways.
This is a hands-on, movement-based session, so come ready to engage, collaborate, and explore your creative potential in a lively, fun environment.
Sign up now to experience a creative workout that will leave you energized, inspired, and full of new ideas!
Prices
Full Price | $49
Under 35s | $29
Passports
Festival Passport 10% off | $44 full / $26 U35
Festival Passport 20% off | $39 full / $23 U35
Times
Sunday 20 July | 2pm – 4pm
Running Time
2 hours
Additional Info
Jane is an actor, writer, and comedian. She starred in the award-winning indie feature The Greenhouse (Netflix) and The War That Changed Us (ABC). Her theatre credits include Gypsy (2018), Spamalot (2020), and Godspell (2022). In 2018, Jane toured her original comedy shows Gate 64 and Luxury Split Bill to major festivals in Melbourne, Sydney, Edinburgh, and New York. She received the inaugural Equity Comedy Scholarship in 2020 which saw her complete the Conservatory program at The Second City, Chicago in 2022.
In 2023, she co-created and starred in the award-winning sketch show Jazz or a Bucket of Blood with Ange Lavoipierre, which toured nationally and to Edinburgh Fringe, with encore seasons in 2024. The duo also created the absurdist online series Impostors. Jane teaches and performs with Improv Theatre Sydney and co-hosts the sell-out musical improv show Musical Bang Bang at the Hayes Theatre.
FAQs
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What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing you can move in easily—think rehearsal blacks, activewear, or anything you’d feel good stretching, rolling, or getting on the floor in. Closed-toe shoes are preferred.
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Do I need prior experience in improvisation or devising?
Not at all! Whether you’re new to improv or a seasoned performer looking to refresh your toolkit, this session is built to be accessible, supportive, and creatively energizing.
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Will I be expected to perform in front of others?
Yes, this is a participatory session where you’ll be working in groups and pairs. While there’s no formal “performance,” you’ll be sharing your work as part of exercises and group play—but always in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
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Do I need to bring anything?
Just yourself, dressed for movement, with an open mind and a willingness to experiment. If you’d like, bring a water bottle and something to jot down reflections or notes.
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Is this session suitable for writers or directors, not just actors?
Absolutely. The skills explored in this masterclass—idea generation, scene development, character exploration, and spontaneity—are valuable for anyone involved in creating original work.
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How do I get there?
Train, Bus, Car – whatever your heart desires! Hayes Theatre Co is located in the heart of Potts Point and is just a short walk from the 311-bus stop and Kings Cross Train Station. For more info, head to transportnsw.info
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Is the venue accessible?
Hayes Theatre Co is accessible to everyone. We encourage all customers with access requirements to get in touch with us so we can discuss your requirements. Our theatre includes road-to-stage step-free access, and we have several dedicated accessible seating areas.
A lift operates from the theatre entrance to the foyer and entry to the auditorium is via the side door located off the balcony for those who have difficulty managing stairs. Please speak to the Box Office Assistant upon arrival at your performance to arrange access. Our staff and volunteer crew will assist in navigating these access points.
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Are there restrooms available on-site?
Yes, we have multiple restrooms on-site! At Hayes we welcome gender diversity and encourage everyone to use the restroom that best fits your gender identity or expression.
There is one accessible toilet on the foyer level. There are also two ambulant toilets located within the male and female bathrooms.
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Is there parking available?
Discount parking is available from the Kings Cross Parking Station (entrance on Ward Avenue). Bring your parking ticket with you to the theatre and have it validated at our Box Office to receive unlimited parking for $15.
Limited 1 hour (free after 5 pm) street parking is available around the area. Please note the parking signs as to restrictions.